On the Town: Elks Lodge hosts a Valentine’s Day soiree

This past week saw members, supporters and guests of Burbank BPOE Elks Lodge 1497 honor that bow-and-arrow-toting cherubic son of Venus, the sainted Bishop Valentinus of Terni and their own special sweethearts as they gathered for their annual Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner and Dance.

According to the organizations treasurer, Woody Bixby, who served as the chairman of this year’s Valentine’s soiree, more than 120 Elks and guests enjoyed the celebration of love at the group’s Hollywood Way headquarters.

Along with a prime-rib dinner prepared by chef Jim Ewart and his staff, the evening also included music, dancing and special recognitions for couples who have just started dating, been together for many years or who are grandparents.

Along with Bixby, last week’s Valentine’s dinner was made possible by the lodge’s executive officers Ken Pajan, John Coyle, Gilbert Najm, Jim Nunez and Harvey Ryun, along with the organization’s trustees composed of John Holt, Ruben Almaraz, Fred DeLange, Greg Peale and Bob Ransey.

Among those in attendance at last week’s dinner dance were Bob and Marj Overstreet, who will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary this fall. The couple met on a double date and, after a three-year courtship, were married on Sept. 6, 1958.

Others who enjoyed the evening included Sydney Hines, Helen Richards, Chuck Homan, Peter and Linda Michlchuck, Malena Tappan, Dave Cheney and Victor and Donna Salant.

The Burbank Elks is a long-standing organization with a rich history that spans more than 75 years of service to the local community. The Burbank Elks partner with Emblem Club 86, a branch of the Supreme Emblem Club of the United States of America, to perform charitable acts in the community, and to bear allegiance to the flag and the Constitution of the United States.

Some of the many services and charities the Elks and Emblem Club members have supported, raised funds for and performed community with over the years include the Burbank Bike Angels, Wounded Warrior Project, Burbank Corps of the Salvation Army, Family Promise, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Ronald McDonald House, Foothill Service for the Blind, the Family Services Agency of Burbank and the California Hearing Dog Program.

The organizations also award scholarships to students from Burbank’s public and parochial high schools.

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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.